Picture this a bustling intersection in Chicago. Cottage Grove Avenue and 39th Street. This isn’t just any corner. It’s a historical crossroads. A place where the past whispers secrets to the present.
Cottage Grove Avenue itself is one of Chicago’s oldest streets. Following an ancient trail it originally angled southeast. Imagine horse-drawn carriages and bustling commerce lining the avenue. This intersection marked the start of Vincennes Avenue too. A vibrant commercial hub it was once lined with buildings.
But times changed. In 1955 the city started clearing land. The Lake Meadows development and other renewal projects transformed the area. Most of Cottage Grove north of 35th Street was vacated. A once-thriving commercial center gave way to a new vision.
Now let’s journey back further. Before automobiles and skyscrapers. Before the annexation of Hyde Park in 1889. Cottage Grove and 39th Street were on the edge of the prairie. A few wooden buildings appeared. Settlers arrived. By the late 1870s this intersection was lively. Buggy rides and social gatherings were common.
A curious story surrounds the old Chicago city limits. The boundary line supposedly ran straight east to Lake Michigan. But near Cottage Grove and 39th Street it inexplicably swerved. This oddity created a bizarre situation. Technically saloons could be located almost anywhere south of 39th Street. This was as long as their bars were parallel to the irregular boundary line. This created quite the debate among residents and authorities.
Transportation was quite different back then. A “dummy” engine and car offered infrequent service. It chugged along a sandy road. The passengers would then transfer to a horse-drawn bobtail to reach the city center. The Illinois Central Railroad also ran a limited schedule. People jokingly referred to the early morning train as the “works” train. The second was for “clerks”. The last one was for the “shirks”.
Later cable cars replaced the “dummy” engine and horses. Cottage Grove and 39th Street became a switching ground for the cable cars. Electric streetcars eventually took over. The intersection witnessed a fascinating evolution of transportation.
The intersection has seen many changes. It evolved from a prairie setting. It became a commercial hub. Eventually it transformed into what it is today. Many restaurants and businesses have occupied this prominent corner. A giant policeman a cab stand and a busy restaurant were once seen here. It was once a bustling place. A “little city life side show”.
Local stories are abundant. One recounts a former gypsy camp. It was located near where a large red brick building now stands. Another mentions the famous wooden observation tower. Built during the Civil War it offered views of Camp Douglas. This was a prison for Confederate soldiers. A tavern operated near this tower. Robert Axel a prominent builder started constructing business blocks here. He invested in the future of the neighborhood. His faith in its growth is now a part of Cottage Grove’s history.
Today Cottage Grove continues its journey. A vibrant community. A testament to the enduring spirit of Chicago. It stands as a witness to the city’s evolution. From prairie to metropolis this place keeps its story alive. Cottage Grove Avenue a living history lesson. It’s a story written in brick and stone. It’s a reminder of how much this corner has changed and adapted throughout time.